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Hu J, Wu J, Liu X, Zhang Y, Mo L, Liu L, Liu S, Ou C, He Y. Hypoxia enhances autophagy level of human sperms. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8465. [PMID: 38605082 PMCID: PMC11009268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between oxygen sensing and autophagy in human sperms was explored in this study. Health semen and asthenozoospermia (astheno) semen were incubated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) interferents, i.e., lificiguat (YC-1) or cobalt chloride (CoCl2), respectively. Label-free quantitative proteomic technology was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins in human semen under the hypoxia condition. Selected proteins were detected with ELISA. It was found that the autophagy levels of sperm in the YC-1 + health group or CoCl2 + astheno group increased while the vitality decreased. A total of 17, 34 and 35 differentially expressed proteins were observed in the Astheno group, the YC-1 + health group and the CoCl2 + astheno group, respectively. These proteins were primarily associated with protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, Th17 cell differentiation, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, HIF-1 signaling pathway, biosynthesis of amino acids, and carbon metabolism. The expression levels of protein HIF-1α, LC3B, histone H4, cathepsin L and ENO1 changed significantly in the groups. The study suggests that hypoxia can increase sperm autophagy level and reduce their vitality through HIF-1 signaling pathway and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway. Furthermore, proteins histone H4, cathepsin L, glutathione synthetase and ENO1 are proposed as potential biomarkers of autophagy and vitality in asthenozoospermia sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiwei Wu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinge Liu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Linfeng Mo
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
- Medicine and Health Science College, Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangzhao Liu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Shengxue Liu
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Yiwu Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Chaoyan Ou
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yonghua He
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China.
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Castillo J, de la Iglesia A, Leiva M, Jodar M, Oliva R. Proteomics of human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2312-2320. [PMID: 37632247 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteomic methodologies offer a robust approach to identify and quantify thousands of proteins from semen components in both fertile donors and infertile patients. These strategies provide an unprecedented discovery potential, which many research teams are currently exploiting. However, it is essential to follow a suitable experimental design to generate robust data, including proper purification of samples, appropriate technical procedures to increase identification throughput, and data analysis following quality criteria. More than 6000 proteins have been described so far through proteomic analyses in the mature sperm cell, increasing our knowledge on processes involved in sperm function, intercommunication between spermatozoa and seminal fluid, and the transcriptional origin of the proteins. These data have been complemented with comparative studies to ascertain the potential role of the identified proteins on sperm maturation and functionality, and its impact on infertility. By comparing sperm protein profiles, many proteins involved in the acquisition of fertilizing ability have been identified. Furthermore, altered abundance of specific protein groups has been observed in a wide range of infertile phenotypes, including asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normozoospermia with unsuccessful assisted reproductive techniques outcomes, leading to the identification of potential clinically useful protein biomarkers. Finally, proteomics has been used to evaluate alterations derived from semen sample processing, which might have an impact on fertility treatments. However, the intrinsic heterogeneity and inter-individual variability of the semen samples have resulted in a relatively low overlap among proteomic reports, highlighting the relevance of combining strategies for data validation and applying strict criteria for proteomic data analysis to obtain reliable results. This mini-review provides an overview of the most critical steps to conduct robust sperm proteomic studies, the most relevant results obtained so far, and potential next steps to increase the impact of sperm proteomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Leiva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Terao J. Revisiting carotenoids as dietary antioxidants for human health and disease prevention. Food Funct 2023; 14:7799-7824. [PMID: 37593767 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo02330c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Humans are unique indiscriminate carotenoid accumulators, so the human body accumulates a wide range of dietary carotenoids of different types and to varying concentrations. Carotenoids were once recognized as physiological antioxidants because of their ability to quench singlet molecular oxygen (1O2). In the 1990s, large-scale intervention studies failed to demonstrate that supplementary β-carotene intake reduces the incidence of lung cancer, although its antioxidant activity was supposed to contribute to the prevention of oxidative stress-induced carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the antioxidant activity of carotenoids has attracted renewed attention as the pathophysiological role of 1O2 has emerged, and as the ability of dietary carotenoids to induce antioxidant enzymes has been revealed. This review focuses on six major carotenoids from fruit and vegetables and revisits their physiological functions as biological antioxidants from the standpoint of health promotion and disease prevention. β-Carotene 9',10'-oxygenase-derived oxidative metabolites trigger increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Lutein and zeaxanthin selectively accumulate in human macular cells to protect against light-induced macular impairment by acting as antioxidants. Lycopene accumulates exclusively and to high concentrations in the testis, where its antioxidant activity may help to eliminate oxidative damage. Dietary carotenoids appear to exert their antioxidant activity in photo-irradiated skin after their persistent deposition in the skin. An acceptable level of dietary carotenoids for disease prevention should be established because they can have deleterious effects as prooxidants if they accumulate to excess levels. Finally, it is expected that the reason why humans are indiscriminate carotenoid accumulators will be understood soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Terao
- Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
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Ribeiro JC, Bernardino RL, Gonçalves A, Barros A, Calamita G, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Aquaporin-7-Mediated Glycerol Permeability Is Linked to Human Sperm Motility in Asthenozoospermia and during Sperm Capacitation. Cells 2023; 12:2003. [PMID: 37566082 PMCID: PMC10416866 DOI: 10.3390/cells12152003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Osmoregulation plays a vital role in sperm function, encompassing spermatogenesis, maturation, and fertilization. Aquaglyceroporins, a subclass of aquaporins (AQPs), facilitate the transport of water and glycerol across the sperm membrane, with glycerol serving as an important substrate for sperm bioenergetics. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of AQP-mediated glycerol permeability in sperm motility. The presence and localization of AQP3 and AQP7 in human sperm were assessed using immunofluorescence. Subsequently, the glycerol permeability of spermatozoa obtained from normozoospermic individuals (n = 30) was measured, using stopped-flow light scattering, after incubation with specific aquaporin inhibitors targeting AQP3 (DFP00173), AQP7 (Z433927330), or general aquaglyceroporin (phloretin). Sperm from asthenozoospermic men (n = 30) were utilized to evaluate the AQP7-mediated glycerol permeability, and to compare it with that of normozoospermic men. Furthermore, hypermotile capacitated sperm cells were examined, to determine the AQP7 expression and membrane glycerol permeability. AQP3 was predominantly observed in the tail region, while AQP7 was present in the head, midpiece, and tail of human sperm. Our findings indicate that AQP7 plays a key role in glycerol permeability, as the inhibition of AQP7 resulted in a 55% decrease in glycerol diffusion across the sperm membrane. Importantly, this glycerol permeability impairment was evident in spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic individuals, suggesting the dysregulation of AQP7-mediated glycerol transport, despite similar AQP7 levels. Conversely, the AQP7 expression increased in capacitated sperm, compared to non-capacitated sperm. Hence, AQP7-mediated permeability may serve as a valuable indicator of sperm motility, and be crucial in sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C. Ribeiro
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.R.); (R.L.B.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3010-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Raquel L. Bernardino
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.R.); (R.L.B.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Gonçalves
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal (A.B.)
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal (A.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Marco G. Alves
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3010-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Martins AD, Ribeiro JC, Ferreira R, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Understanding the age-related alterations in the testis-specific proteome. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:331-343. [PMID: 37878493 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2274857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fertility rates in developing countries have declined over the past decades, and the trend of delayed fatherhood is rising as societies develop. The reasons behind the decline in male fertility with advancing age remain mysterious, making it a compelling and crucial area for further research. However, the limited number of studies dedicated to unraveling this enigma poses a challenge. Thus, our objective is to illuminate some of the upregulated and downregulated mechanisms in the male testis during the aging process. AREAS COVERED Herein, we present a critical overview of the studies addressing the alterations of testicular proteome through the aging process, starting from sexually matured young males to end-of-life-expectancy aged males. The comparative studies of the proteomic testicular profile of men with and without spermatogenic impairment are also discussed and key proteins and pathways involved are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION The difficulty of making age-comparative studies, especially of advanced-age study subjects, makes this topic of study quite challenging. Another topic worth mentioning is the heterogeneous nature and vast cellular composition of testicular tissue, which makes proteome data interpretation tricky. The cell type sorting and comorbidities testing in the testicular tissue of the studied subjects would help mitigate these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Martins
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João C Ribeiro
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Li N, Dong X, Fu S, Wang X, Li H, Song G, Huang D. C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) Could Improve Sperm Motility and Reproductive Function of Asthenozoospermia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810370. [PMID: 36142279 PMCID: PMC9499393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is to analyze the effect of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on sperm motility of asthenozoospermia and explore the influence mechanism of CNP on the reproductive system and sperm motility. Our results showed that the concentration of CNP in asthenospermia patients’ semen was lower than in normal people’s. The motility of sperm could be improved markedly by CNP and 8-Br-cGMP, while the effect of CNP was inhibited by NPR-B antagonist and KT5823. In the asthenozoospermia mouse model induced by CTX, CNP injection could improve sperm motility in the epididymis, alleviate tissue damage in the testes and epididymis, and increase testosterone levels. The asthenospermia mouse model showed high activity of MDA and proinflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6), as well as low expression of antioxidants (SOD, GSH-Px, CAT) in the testis and epididymis, but this situation could be significantly ameliorated after being treated with CNP. Those studies indicated that the concentration of CNP in the semen of asthenospermia patients is lower than in normal people and could significantly promote sperm motility through the NPR-B/cGMP pathway. In the asthenospermia mouse model induced by CTX, CNP can alleviate the damage of cyclophosphamide to the reproductive system and sperm motility. The mechanism may involve increasing testosterone and reducing ROS and proinflammatory factors to damage the tissue and sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xinyi Dong
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Sen Fu
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Reproductive Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266034, China
| | - Huaibiao Li
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ge Song
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (D.H.); Tel.: +86-13570493366 (G.S.); +86-18872262607 (D.H.)
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518109, China
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (D.H.); Tel.: +86-13570493366 (G.S.); +86-18872262607 (D.H.)
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